Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1887-02-05
Impersinent Interference,

From the New Haven Register
A resolution was offered in the General
Assembly yesterday and referred to its prop
er committee, which, if it passes both
branches and receives the approval of the
Governor, will practically take out of the
hands of New Haven's Court of Common
council the settlement of the Derby road
proposition. As all illustration OF legisla-
tive impertinence this measure easily takes
the lead even of our custom-made city
charter.
the council may not discuss any proposition
looking toward the sale of the Derby road
until it has been advertised for stated
length of time in the newspapers as having
been deposited with the city treasurer;
restriction which would in no degree con-
duce to its greater publicity. 1t also i'm
poses upon the council certain conditions
which in the absence of general State law
on the subject of grade crossings are plain
ly matters of concern to the local government
of New Haven. 1t also appoints commits
sion to do the work of advertising in the pa
pers and to perform the other duties which
naturally belong to our representative body,
the council, to discharge. And finally, this
most remarkable resolution provides that
''the city of New Haven may make union
of it's stock and other interests in said rail
road company with the stock and bonds of
any other railroad company with which it
now or may hereafter make terminal connec-
tions with, if in the judgment of said COM
mission such union will best protect the in
terests OF said city,
In other words this proposition is designed
to give to the General Assembly the rights
which upon every Interpretation of the the
ory of responsible local self government be
long to the people and taxpayers of New
Haven. The Importance of defeating its
riS t0 O
of the merits of the proposition 50 dispose of
the Derby road to private enterprise. 1t is a
blow at the dignity of our common council,
which is the regularly chosen house of repre-
sentatives for the city of New Haven; 1t IS
an unjust interference with the privileges
conferred upon the city as corporate and
responsible body. If it is not unconstitu-
tional we shall be surprised. The proposed
purchase of the Derby road is a question that
affects New Haven. 1t is o question for
| New Haven's growing body to decide accord
| ing to it's wisdom; not question to be de-
cided by body of men unfamiliar with the
business needs and interests of New Haven.
We hope the courcil will promptly resent
| this impertinent attempt to rule New Haven
| from without Let the General Assembly of
| the State be informed that New Haven is
able to settle her own family affairs, and
| that when she is unable to do SO she will
petition for State interference through her
| local governing power and not through pri-
| vate and interested parties. If the corpora
ton counsel should be directed to appear be-
fore the legislative committee to which this
resolution has been referred and state with
| respectful emphasis the ability of New Haven
to govern herself the result might be whole
some If the legislature is allowed to settle
this question, why will 1t not be its right to
grant a similar injunction against the settle
ment, by the people of New Haven, of the
State House question?